Management of Human Ulcerative Colitis by Saturex™: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To evaluate clinical benefit of Satureja Khuzestanica (SK) trade named Saturex in Ulcerative Colitis (UC). A randomized controlled trial was conducted in UC patients. Patients with proliferative retinopathy, significant renal impairment (serum creatinine>3 mg dL(-1)), documented coronary artery disease, chronic liver disease, diabetic foot ulceration and gangrene and pulmonary infection were excluded from the study. The patients were administered 500 mg SK or placebo supplements once daily while they were maintained on their current treatment for UC. After 4 months, frequency difference of the disease flare up was compared between study and placebo groups. 12/14(85.5%) of SK patients were in complete remission after 4 months as compared to 6/13 (46.2%) of the patients on placebo. The flare up frequency difference (0.07-0.73) between two groups was significant. Supplementing with SK by preventing disease flare up and keeping the patients in remission state would give the opportunity to physicians to reduce the dose of chemical drugs resulting in lower side effects and better compliance of patients.